| How to Access Old Tax Returns Posted: 11 Mar 2018 05:00 PM PDT Accessing old tax returns may be necessary if you need to look up specific information about your income or your expenses. You can also use old tax returns as proof of your financial history for a mortgage or loan application. As a taxpayer, you are able to access a transcript or an official copy of old tax returns in just a few easy steps. A transcript is free to access, but each official copy of your old tax returns will cost you $50 USD as of January 2018. EditAccessing a Transcript of Old Tax Returns - Determine which type of transcript you need. The IRS offers several different transcript types free of charge. The most broad type is the Tax Return Transcript, which is available for the current year and any returns processed within the past 3 years. It is the best option if you are using the old tax returns to apply for a mortgage or a student loan.[1]
- Another option is to request the Tax Account Transcript, which contains information like the return type, marital status, gross income, and payment types in your old returns going back 3 years. It also show changes you made after you filed your original return.
- Register online with the IRS. You can register with the IRS free of charge here: https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript. You will need to provide your Social Security Number, date of birth, filing status (single, married, etc.), phone number, and a mailing address. You will also need to provide your personal account number from a credit card, mortgage, home equity loan, or home equity line of credit.[2]
- If you want to access the transcript online, you will also need to provide your email address.
- If you want a transcript mailed to you, you do not need to provide a personal account number from a credit card, mortgage, home equity loan, or home equity line of credit, or a phone number.
- Having an online account with IRS also allows you to check on the status of your taxes and do other tax related tasks through the online portal.
- Request a transcript of your old tax returns online. Once you register online with the IRS, you can send in a request for the transcript type that suits your needs. The transcripts are free of charge, so you do not need to include a payment with your request.[3]
- View the transcript online or receive it by mail. If you choose to view the transcript online, it will appear within a few minutes so you can access it on your computer. You can then download and print it if you'd prefer a hard copy.[4]
- If you choose to receive the transcript by mail, it should arrive within 5-10 days to the mailing address you provided when you set up an account with the IRS.
EditGetting an Official Copy of Old Tax Returns - Ask your federal tax preparer for a copy of your old returns. Your accountant or tax preparer can give you a photocopy of your old returns, usually at no charge. Some accountants may charge a small processing fee or add the cost of copying old returns into the fee for filing your current return.[5]
- Complete Form 4506 to request a copy from the government. Access the form here: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4506.pdf. You can request official copies of tax returns going back 6 years. The form is 1 page long and requires you to provide basic personal information like your name, date of birth, social security number, and the year or years of the tax returns you need.
- You will also need to provide a current mailing address so the old tax returns can be mailed to you.
- Include a check or money order for the $50 USD processing fee. Make the check or money order payable to "The United States Treasury."[6]
- The IRS charges $50 USD per tax return you request. If you need more than 1 copy of an old tax return or tax returns for different years, you will need to fill out a separate Form 4506 for each 1 and include a $50 USD fee for each 1.
- If the IRS cannot find the tax return for the year you requested, they will refund the fee.
- Mail the form and fee to the IRS office in your state or area. There is a list of addresses on the second page of Form 4506. Find the address for the IRS office for the state or area where you lived when you filed the return. Include the correct postage for the form and the fee so it gets to the IRS safely.[7]
- Receive your old tax returns in the mail. It can take up to 75 days for the IRS to process your request for an official copy of an old tax return and send you a copy of the return. Make sure you send in your request as soon as possible, especially if you are in a hurry to get a copy of your old tax returns.[8]
- Keep in mind that as part the package from the IRS, you will also receive any old W-2s and Form 1099s that apply to the tax year you requested.
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| How to Adopt Dogs for Free Posted: 11 Mar 2018 09:00 AM PDT Looking for new dogs to add to your family is exciting, but it's not always practical to pay hundreds of dollars to a breeder. Luckily, with a little research you can find dogs offered for free to a good home. Get ready to meet your new four-legged friends today! EditIn a Hurry? If you're looking for dogs to adopt for free, first you should ask your friends and family if they know anyone whose dog has had puppies recently. If you find someone with puppies who is giving them away for free, wait until the puppies are 8-12 weeks old before you bring them home. If you don't find dogs through the people you know, try checking classified ads online and in your local newspaper for "Free to a Good Home" listings. Keep reading for tips on choosing the right dogs for you! EditFinding Free Dogs - Ask your friends and family if they know of anyone giving away dogs. Even if no one in your close circle is currently trying to rehome their dogs, they might know someone who is. Try asking your family, friends, and coworkers if they know of anyone who is moving and needs to find a home for their dogs, or whose dogs may have recently had puppies that will need a home. You can also try reaching out to your social media connections.[1]
- Look in your newspaper for dogs available nearby. The classified section in your local newspaper should have a section for pets. You'll often find ads which say "Free to a Good Home" in which people are trying to find homes for their dogs.[2]
- Use caution when you're contacting people you don't know, and never give out your personal information to strangers. If possible, take a friend with you when you go to an unfamiliar place to ensure your safety.
- If a place seems shady or you get the feeling that the dogs have not been treated well, don't adopt from there. Mistreated animals can have severe behavioral and health problems later in life. Avoid adopting from a place where the animals are dirty, malnourished, or seem nervous.
- Check classified websites. for more options. If you don't have luck finding free dogs through your friends or in your local newspaper, try looking online on classified websites like Craigslist. Check the "Pets" section to see if anyone is rehoming their dogs or trying to place a litter of puppies.[3]
EditAdopting from a Shelter on a Free Weekend - Watch local ads or social media for adoption events. Although there are some animal shelters and rescue organizations which offer free adoption year-round, most charge an adoption fee which covers the cost of vaccinations and spaying/neutering the dogs. However, when shelters and rescues reach full capacity, they'll often hold adoption events where this fee is waived.[4]
- Bring your ID. Even though you won't have to pay a fee, you will likely have to provide the shelter or rescue with a photo ID and your address is order to complete the adoption process.[5]
- Be prepared to wait in line. Free adoption events often draw a large crowd, so you might have to wait a while before you are able to meet the available animals. Try going early to avoid long lines. You might also want to see if the shelter has a listing of its animals online that you can browse before you visit.[6]
- If you see dogs on the website that you're interested in, try calling the shelter and asking if they'll hold the dogs for you until you can get there. You might have better luck if you tell them a specific time you expect to arrive.
- For instance, you could try saying something like, "I'm really interested in the 2 Shepherd mixes you have on your website. If they haven't been adopted yet, could you hold them for me until I get there? I can be there at noon tomorrow."
- Answer any interview questions. Many shelters and rescues conduct an interview with prospective owners to make sure the dogs will be a good fit in their new homes. Be honest about your answers, and take this time to ask any questions you might have of your own.[7]
EditPicking the Perfect Pups - Research dog breeds and characteristics before you pick your dog. You might not have a choice of the exact dog breeds you think would be the perfect fit for you, but researching dog breeds can give you an idea of what you're looking for. This can help keep you focused in the face of all of those cute puppy-dog eyes.[8]
- For instance, if you are highly active and you want a dog who will enjoy joining you on hikes, you might look for a terrier or retriever mix.[9]
- Meet the dog before you bring them home. Whether you're looking for dog from a private owner or a shelter, make sure you meet the dog first. Trust your own judgement on whether the dog's personalities are a good match for you and any other family members or pets who will be living with you.[10]
- If you already have a dog, ask if it's okay to bring them along with you while you're meeting potential new dogs to bring home. This can help you determine whether the dogs will get along.[11]
- Wait until puppies are 8-12 weeks old before you bring them home. Some puppy owners might be anxious to find homes for their little litter, but if you're getting puppies, they will be healthiest if they are allowed to stay with their mom for at least 8 weeks.[12]
- When puppies are separated from their litter too early, they are significantly more likely to have behavioral problems later in life, including an aversion to strangers and excessive barking.[13]
- Ensure that you get all documentation. When you adopt a puppy or dog, be it from a family or a shelter, it is important to get all documents pertaining licencing, vaccinations, spaying/neutering and any health issues. This will help give the vet you choose for your dog all of the necessary and pertinent information.
- Ask lots of questions about your potential new pet. Make a list of questions about the dogs, like their health history, previous vaccinations, anything which might be known about their breed, and information about their parents if it's known.[14]
- If the parents are kept on site, ask if you can meet them. Pay attention to their temperament, as this is often a determining factor in your new dog's personality.[15]
- Get your supplies before you bring your dog home. Before you leave to bring home your new dog, you should make sure that you have everything you need at home. Make sure you have food and water bowls, leashes, and a few toys on hand. You should also check to make sure there's nothing the dog can chew on that will be destroyed or harm the dog, especially if you're bringing home a puppy.[16]
- You may want to wait until you meet your new dog before purchasing dog food, just in case your dogs have special dietary needs or a favourite brand.
- If you live in an apartment, condo or townhouse complex, be sure that you check into any restrictions and/or requirements the landlord or resident association has regarding pets. Some have restrictions on size and breed, while others will require proof that your pup is licensed and has been spayed or neutered. As well, often you have to apply for the privilege of getting a dog, so make sure you follow any established rules.
- If you get your dog from a rescue organization or a shelter, you might consider making a donation to support the work that they do. This can be done at the time of the adoption or at a later date.
- Think about fostering dogs, if you've never had pets before. This can help you get familiar with the process of caring for a pet without the long-term commitment.[17]
- Even if you get your dog for free, remember that you will still have to pay to take care of them. You'll need to provide for food, vaccinations, licencing, and vet bills, especially if the dogs didn't have medical care before you adopted them. On top of that, there is grooming, if you are not comfortable doing it yourself.
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| How to Make the Most of a Layover Posted: 11 Mar 2018 12:00 AM PST Although flights with layovers are often much cheaper than nonstop flights, sometimes a layover is unavoidable, and simply sitting around in an airport isn't fun at all. However, with a little planning, whether you are staying at the airport or seeing the sights, you can make the most of an airport layover. EditAt the Airport - Do some research beforehand. Many airports have more than just your average food court filled with fast food and just a few kiosks. In fact, many of them have fancy restaurants that you may not have back in your city, as well as clothing stores that you'd typically see in a mall. This is why research is important, so you'll know what you can do in the airport.
- If you forgot to do your research, then airport employees, either general ones that aren't busy or ones at a nearby store or restaurant that isn't busy, can come in handy. Ask them what they recommend for you to do, and they may have some ideas.
- Explore the airport in general. Sometimes, just walking around the airport can be fun, in and of itself. You may find a shop you didn't even think you'd be interested in shopping at, or a restaurant you didn't think you'd be interested in eating at.
- Know the exact location of any new gate you will need to get to. Sometimes gates are very far apart from each other and you do not want to get lost.
- Be sure to check out maps. There can be surprises in airports, such as meditation lounges, art galleries, or cultural exhibits.
- Get some exercise. Walking laps or courses in an airport--especially larger ones--can build up mileage. Moving your muscles can help loosen your muscles, relax, and give you something to focus on until your plane boards.
- Do some people-watching. At airports, especially some of the busier ones, there are usually lots of people from many different areas going to many different places. People-watching subjects from all these walks of life can prove to be an interesting experience, and it is a great way to pass the time and make the most of a layover. You never know who you'll see.
- If you're a creative type, consider sketching or making up stories about the scenes around you. Just avoid staring anyone down so much you give off the wrong impression!
- Consider sleeping while you wait. Many people don't like the idea of sleeping in an airport, but sometimes, especially if you are traveling in the middle of the night, it may be one of the only things that you can do; everything else will most likely be closed in the middle of the night.
- Bring along a new book or game just for this trip. If all else fails, try and set aside a brand new book or a brand new game solely for this trip. If you're just sitting there, then you can easily sit down and open up a good book, or play a couple rounds of a new game that you haven't played before.
- Try to pick a game that you can easily play by yourself, especially if you are traveling alone or if you don't know anyone who would be willing to play a couple rounds of a game with you.
EditOutside of the Airport - Do more research beforehand. Again, research will come in handy here. Search for some interesting things to do or attractions to see in the area of your airport. Also, search for what type of transportation may be best to get there, whether it be public transportation, or a cab/ride sharing service.
- Use the brochures or visitor's center in your airport. Many airports have either a visitor's center, or a wall with brochures. At a visitor's center, you'll usually find an employee who is able to tell you things about the area you're in.
- Make sure that you know which time your flight is leaving, and when it starts boarding. You'll want to leave more than enough time for you to get to your gate and be ready to board, and you don't want to end up missing your flight because you're stuck in traffic.
- Keep an eye on the airport website, or sign up for text/email alerts from your airline. This way, you'll be able to know if your flight ends up delayed or cancelled. Some airlines also have a service where they text you about the status of your flight, whether it's delayed, on time or cancelled. Especially if you'll be outside of the airport, it may be something to look into.
- Try to stay in the general vicinity of your airport. As stated above, you don't want to end up missing your flight because you're stuck in traffic. Therefore, staying in the general vicinity of your airport will help prevent you from getting in a traffic jam and missing your flight.
- If you're not sure how far it is before you're considered not in the general vicinity of your airport, a good rule of thumb is usually 15-20 minutes in any given direction.
- Take a free tour. Again, this is where research will come in handy. Multiple airports around the globe offer free layover tours for you and your party to enjoy. It's a great way to see the city without spending anything.
- Some cities also offer tours that cost money, if your layover airport doesn't happen to offer a free tour.
- Both types of tours, whether they cost anything or not sometimes require booking in advance, so this is why it is best to plan ahead so you can book online before you go.
- Many airports offer hotels that are either nearby or directly in the airport. Especially if you're staying overnight, or even if you're just staying for a long amount of hours, booking a hotel room may be a good idea. It's also likely to be way more comfortable than sleeping on a bench in the airport.
- If you do decide to sleep in the airport, and you're traveling with somebody, sleep in shifts. This way, if an announcement occurs regarding your flight, one of you will be able to hear it and alert the other person. If you decided to sleep in a hotel, and you have text notifications for your flight, then you don't have to sleep in shifts, but pick a loud enough notification sound so that you'll hear it.
- If you're in doubt about how much time you'll have at the layover, then a good rule of thumb is just to stay at the airport. It may not be as fun as exploring the city, but at least you'll be a lot less likely to miss your next flight.
- If you're going to a city where you know a local, they can also be a great source of free city touring if you let them know ahead of time that you'll have a long layover in their city, and you want to see the sights.
- If you get on your first flight and realise you forgot something back at home, then usually airport stores or small kiosks are good for finding something that you need, especially if it's something like a pillow, or gum if your ears are prone to popping.
- Although not guaranteed, flight delays and cancellations are possible. Make sure that you're always keeping an eye on the weather in your layover city so that you'll know if you have to cancel any tours you may have booked.
- Make sure you know which terminal your next flight is in. Although you won't have to go through it if your flight is in your current terminal, some airports require you to go through security at every terminal. Therefore, if you need to travel to a different terminal, make sure that you leave yourself plenty of time.
- If you decide to sleep in the airport terminal, there is a chance you could be questioned by airport security as to what you're doing sleeping there. Therefore, be prepared to explain that you're on a long layover and couldn't find another place to sleep.
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